Twentieth Century America

Spring 2004

Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), 1950

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Course Description:

This course will survey the main political, cultural, social, and economic changes that occurred in the United States during the second full century of its existence.  The goal of the course is to develop a clear understanding and knowledge of the key people, events, ideas, and changes occurring during this tumultuous time.  More importantly, our goal will be to address the questions: is there a narrative coherence to the history of this century?  If so, what is it?  If not, why?  Is there a benefit to examining the 20th century in isolation beyond the apparent temporal convenience?  As we wade further into the 21st century, does historical examination of the previous century help us face the continuing challenges of living in a democratic republic? 

-Check the course web page often for updates and changes.  Especially check the announcements page for news pertaining to the course.

-Please arrive to class on time; consistently late arrivals disturb the class.

-Please bring assigned readings to class.

-All assignments will be due on the date specified; late assignments will be severely penalized.

-Become familiar with the various forms of plagiarism.  Using others' ideas without giving full credit will not be tolerated in your assignments.  If you are unsure with what constitutes plagiarism, please click here for a helpful introduction with examples from the Indiana University Writing Resource page: Students' Guide to Plagiarism.  Students who plagiarize will receive an "F" and will be reported to the Provost's Office.

-Keeping up with the reading is imperative in this class. If you find you are falling behind, or find the reading load difficult, please contact me so that we can find the appropriate help.

-I greatly encourage all of you to come by and see me during office hours or by appointment to discuss your progress in the class or other relevant issues.

Any student with documented special needs should meet with me during office hours. All efforts will be made to facilitate your presence and successful completion of the course.

Required Reading (available at Ramapo College Bookstore):

1.  Gilmore, Glenda Elizabeth.  Who Were the Progressives? Beford St. Martins Press, 2002.

2.  Dumenil, Lynn. The Modern Temper: American Culture and Society in the 1920s. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 1995.

3.  Kennedy, David M.  Freedom From Fear:  The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. Oxford Universty Press, 1999.

4.  Patterson, James T. Grand Expectations: The United States, 1945-1974. Oxford University Press, 1996.

*Additional required readings will be handed out in class or put on reserve in the library*

Evaluation Procedures:

1.  Attendance and Participation. (25% of total)

An attendance sheet will be passed around at the beginning of each class. It is your responsibility to sign in. Participation will be judged on your attendance, in-class comments, and overall engagement with the subject matter.

2. Midterm Examination (25%) and Final Examination (25%)

The midterm and final will have identical structures. Short identification questions will make up one half of the test and an analytical essay will determine the other half.

3.  Five unannounced quizzes on the reading for that week  (5% each, 25% of overall grade)